December 15, 2009

 

HARRISBURG---A proposal to expand casino gambling in Pennsylvania is past a crucial first hurdle in the state House of Representatives.
     Lawmakers gave preliminary approval Monday to a key amendment that proponents say will help the state raise money to bolster its tax collections. The proposal would legalize and tax table games at slot-machine casinos and increase the number of state casino licenses from 14 to 15.
     Opponents say the bill is full of favors for casino owners and provides a Christmas tree of money for some lawmakers' pet causes.